TV LICENCE SUMMER BLITZ
TV licence inspectors are planning a major blitz on holiday homes in a bid to collect the €160 fee.
It’s understood mobile homes in caravan parks will be targeted over the summer as well as motorhomes parked up near beaches.
An Post warned that a licence for your home will not cover you for your holiday property.
A spokesperson said: “You need a separate TV licence for your mobile home or motorhome.”
Failure to pay the fee can result in a court appearance, fines of up to €1,000 or even a prison term.
However, An Post insisted prosecution is always the last resort as potential evaders are given every opportunity to pay.
But they also warned viewers who only watch streamed content such as Netflix and Amazon Prime still need a licence.
The spokesperson added: “If you have a smart TV you are required to buy a TV licence even if you only use it for streaming.
“A smart TV is capable of
receiving broadcast signals so you must have a valid TV licence if you have one in your home or business premises.
“You also require a TV licence if you connect any type of digital TV receiver to a monitor.”
If you do not have a TV you must sign a declaration form but an inspector may still call to your home for verification.
An Post collected €220.7million in licence fees last year.
Some €196.1million went to RTE while the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland received €14.7million and €9.9million went to An Post.
An Post have urged people to purchase or renew their TV licence through post offices or online at www.tvlicence.ie.